Over 3,000 Join Congressman Brad Sherman’s Town Hall on ICE Raids, Shutdown Threat & Rising Political Violence

SHERMAN OAKS, CA – Last night, over 3,000 residents joined Congressman Brad Sherman’s (CA-32) Telephone Town Hall with Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park and California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. The conversation centered around urgent local and national issues: ICE deportation raids across L.A., concerns over a possible government shutdown, rising political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, and California’s response to Republican-led redistricting maneuvers. Guests also addressed wildfire recovery efforts and the conclusion of the state legislative session. Congressman Sherman has already hosted dozens of Town Halls this year, with last night being the eighth meeting open to all members of the public.

“From deportation raids to redistricting power grabs, folks are rightly worried,” said Congressman Sherman. “That’s why I continue hosting these Town Hall events – to cut through all the noise and provide the people I serve a proper forum for answers, accurate information, and reassurance that their concerns are being heard and addressed.” 

Sherman opened the event by briefing constituents on the latest government funding negotiations, warning of a looming shutdown and emphasizing his commitment to keeping the government open and protecting vital programs without surrendering to extreme demands by House Republicans. He spoke forcefully about the rise in political violence, saying the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s death underscores the need for the country to de-escalate tensions and recommit to civil discourse. 

Sherman next turned to the Trump Administration’s aggressive deportation raids targeting immigrant communities across Los Angeles. The Congressman recounted leading an August 11th Congressional oversight visit of an ICE Immigration Enforcement/Detention Facility in Downtown L.A., where he and fellow lawmakers scrutinized enforcement tactics and detention conditions. Sherman highlighted his office’s active casework on behalf of a Studio City green card holder still unjustly detained by ICE hundreds of miles away in Arizona. Sherman also urged constituents to know their rights if stopped by federal immigration officers. His office, he noted, stands ready to communicate directly with ICE and advocate on their behalf. 

Congressman Sherman also discussed California’s mid-decade redistricting efforts to protect the state from partisan redistricting schemes like those recently executed in Texas. He warned that national Republicans are attempting to undermine fair representation and emphasized the need for California to defend its congressional districts from being diluted.

At the close of his opening statement, Congressman Sherman informed residents that he will join the East Valley Indivisibles’ United in Opposition Town Hall on September 25 in Sherman Oaks as a featured guest, where he will highlight his efforts in Congress to counter Trump’s agenda.

Councilmember Traci Park provided updates on recovery efforts following the Palisades Fire, highlighting housing assistance, infrastructure rebuilding, and long-term wildfire mitigation strategies. She emphasized the need for strong community collaboration and rapid response systems as fire seasons grow longer and more severe. Park closed her remarks by thanking Congressman Sherman for his leadership and partnership in advancing recovery efforts for affected communities.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin offered insight into California’s end-of-session legislation, highlighting bipartisan bills addressing public safety, mental health access, and digital privacy. She noted that these measures were designed to strengthen protections for families and communities across the state while ensuring California remains a leader in innovation and consumer rights. Irwin also underscored the importance of bipartisan cooperation in tackling complex challenges that impact residents’ daily lives.

During the Q&A portion of the event, constituents voiced deep concern over escalating ICE activity, with many asking how to protect vulnerable family members and neighbors. Sherman reiterated that his office is actively engaged in defending immigrant rights and can intervene directly in certain cases. Others asked directly about the looming government shutdown, demanding assurances that Democratic lawmakers won’t give in to Republican brinksmanship. Sherman confirmed his refusal to compromise on key protections just to keep the government open.

Redistricting also sparked serious concern, with callers questioning how Republican moves in Texas could affect California’s own congressional map — and the future of their district. Sherman reassured constituents that Prop 50 is designed to prevent retaliatory or politically motivated redistricting and promised to fight to maintain fair and equal representation for Californians in Congress.